The Three Commitments: Walking the Path of Liberation

This CD is clearly a distillation from a retreat during which the Buddhist vows of ordination were being taught. This is not specifically stated. Two of these, the protimoksha vow and the boddhisattva vow are both referenced and well taught on this CD. The samaya vow, the vow pertaining to tantric enlightenment, is mentioned but not included here. Although the reasons for this are obvious - these are very advanced teachings - it does make the title a misnomer and the content a little confusing to the layman. As a layman myself, I had to do some research to fill in the informational gaps.

That said, teachers don't come any better than Pema Chodron and anything she teaches is worth our attention. I read/listen to anything of hers that I can get my hands on and I highly recommend her to anyone interested in Buddhist thought.

As a Buddhist practitioner for the past 42 years, I can only say how wonderful it must be for new Sangha members to be able to hear these teachings presented in such a natural easy to understand way. As with almost any Truth the actual practice could take a life time and depending on how much resistance, might also be quite painful.Of all her recorded retreats my recommendation would be this one. Yet , I may like it most because it is the newest. Thank you old friend,
Scott [ from Colorado]

Her insightful, relaxed teaching style is unparalleled. There is nothing to criticize in this masterful guide to seeking a meaningful existence in the midst of the storms of being human.

Very indepth teaching from Pema

Of course. I have others. Not the first nor the last

Humor. Authenticity at a very human level

What is missing are all three commitments. I presume because the listener is not taking monastic vows. Seems appropriate in hindsight, but the title is very misleading when we don't hear everything. Even a chapter heading refers to the commitment and then Pema goes on to talk about something else.